Film List (possible selections to be shown, along with guiding questions)

 

Popaganda - The Art & Crimes of Ron English - Who is Ron English? If you were to categorize him into an art movement, what would you call that movement (surrealist, pop, etc.)? What is the driving force behind his studio art? His public art? How does Ron English justify the "theft of space" in his public works? What are the legal and ethical ramifications of his work? Select a work of his that you enjoy and provide a critique. Select a work of his that you are not a fan of, and critique that as well. Be sure to provide your critique on an artistic basis rather than a political or sociological one.

 

How Art Made the World (BBC Documentary Series) - This five-part series explores how art & human history are linked together, and why we use art in the manner that we do as a species. Each chapter of the series explores a different aspect of art & history. Chapter Guide.Possible activities for each episode.

 

Chevolution - Who was Che Guevara? Who took the famous photograph that has resonated around the world? What is the artistic merit of derivative works based on the famous Korda photo (guide discussion with Obama/Hope poster & Warhol soup cans)? Does repetition and commercialization strengthen or weaken the meaning of an image? Was Che Guevara a hero, a villain, or something in between (guide discussion with Columbus, Lincoln, etc.)? What are the implications of the commercialization and capitalization of a communist/socialist icon?

 

Exit Through the Gift Shop - Is this a true documentary, or something else? Some theorize that it is an elaborate prank designed by Banksy to make a statement on the absurdity of the contemporary street art and gallery scene. Agree or disagree? What comparisons can you draw between this film's depiction of commercialization of street/rebel art, and that portrayed in Chevolution? What are the legal/ethical questions raised by the film, and the work of street artists such as Banksy and Mr. Brainwash? For 5 extra credit points per photo, document local street art (up to 4 photos, or 20 points). Be sure to write down address or location and distinguish between graffiti and street art. For 20 extra credit points (one photo) document street art by an artist featured in the film (hint - look online to find locations). You must be visible in this photo to prove that it wasn't downloaded from the internet.

 

The Rape of Europa - This documentary about the plundering of artwork during the era surrounding WWII raises several important questions.  What is the value of art?  Is art worth lives lost?  Vocabulary terms and discussions may follow the film.

 

Art 21 - This documentary series from PBS explores contemporary art with the artists themselves.  This is an excellent source of information and process direct from the artists.  A variety of episodes may be shown from this series throughout the year.  Episodes & information available here.

 

The Cave of Forgotten Dreams - This documentary film explores cave painting found in Chauvet cave in France.  Paintings of animals and human handprints fill the cave, and have been dated back over 30,000 years.  Some possible discussion questions are linked here.